The box set includes: A GAME OF THRONES A CLASH OF KINGS A STORM OF SWORDS, 1: STEEL AND SNOW A STORM OF SWORDS, 2: BLOOD AND GOLD A FEAST FOR CROWS A DANCE WITH DRAGONS, 1: DREAMS AND DUST A DANCE WITH DRAGONS, 2: AFTER THE FEAST

5 books of 7 from the main story line but what about 'The Hedge Knight', 'The Sworn Sword', 'The Mystery Knight', 'The Princess and the Queen, or, the Blacks and the Greens', 'The Rogue Prince, or, a King’s Brother'? All novellas based on that Series by George R. R. Martin.

The show is just the tip of the iceberg of the world that exists in the books. The TV series shows the main plot points in an easily digestible manner, but the books go into incredible detail and a great deal of world building.

You will know the characters on a much deeper level as you will be able to see their thought processes, because in the books one chapter = a particular character's perspective. Daenerys Targaryen appears somewhat wooden in the show but it is a result of most of her character being inside her mind.

Also, given the increasing amount of book-show variations it is not as if you are consuming the same plot in different form.

If you're a fan of the show, reading the books will be one of the best thing you can do for yourself. And if you don't watch the show, read the books anyway!